Cincinnati Reds – Inside Pulsehttp://insidepulse.com
A pop culture mega-site with Movies, TV, Music, Sports, Comics, Video Games coverage for diehards, including news, reviews, live event coverage, audio podcasts, exclusive interviews and commentary.Sun, 18 Feb 2018 01:46:46 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4A pop culture mega-site with Movies, TV, Music, Sports, Comics, Video Games coverage for diehards, including news, reviews, live event coverage, audio podcasts, exclusive interviews and commentary.Cincinnati Reds – Inside PulseyesA pop culture mega-site with Movies, TV, Music, Sports, Comics, Video Games coverage for diehards, including news, reviews, live event coverage, audio podcasts, exclusive interviews and commentary.Cincinnati Reds – Inside Pulsehttp://insidepulse.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpghttp://insidepulse.com
Cincinnati Reds’ Homer Bailey Throws No-Hitter Versus The Pirateshttp://insidepulse.com/2012/09/29/cincinnati-reds-homer-bailey-throws-no-hitter-versus-the-pirates/
http://insidepulse.com/2012/09/29/cincinnati-reds-homer-bailey-throws-no-hitter-versus-the-pirates/#respondSat, 29 Sep 2012 19:50:11 +0000http://insidepulse.com/?p=312875Bailey went into the game hoping for a good performance. He must have exceeded his expectations as he threw the 7th no-hitter this year. “I looked up at the scoreboard (after the fifth inning) to see if I had hit 200 and saw a couple of zeros,” Bailey said. “That’s when I knew I had a chance at a no-hitter. It’s not something you think about doing.”, said Bailey.
]]>http://insidepulse.com/2012/09/29/cincinnati-reds-homer-bailey-throws-no-hitter-versus-the-pirates/feed/0MLB News: Cincinnati Reds Agree To Contract With Edgar Renteriahttp://insidepulse.com/2011/01/06/mlb-news-cincinnati-reds-agree-to-contract-with-edgar-renteria/
http://insidepulse.com/2011/01/06/mlb-news-cincinnati-reds-agree-to-contract-with-edgar-renteria/#respondThu, 06 Jan 2011 19:51:12 +0000http://insidepulse.com/?p=230411The World Series MVP reportedly has a new home.

The Reds and Edgar Renteria have reportedly agreed to a contract that could be worth $3 million annually with incentives. The deal hasn’t been announced so length and money aren’t known.

Renteria has said he wants to play two more years after hitting .276 during the regular season and leading the San Fransisco Giants to a World Series Championship.

]]>http://insidepulse.com/2011/01/06/mlb-news-cincinnati-reds-agree-to-contract-with-edgar-renteria/feed/0An Affiliate Marriage, The Last Two Standinghttp://insidepulse.com/2010/12/17/an-affiliate-marriage-the-last-two-standing/
http://insidepulse.com/2010/12/17/an-affiliate-marriage-the-last-two-standing/#respondFri, 17 Dec 2010 11:00:19 +0000http://insidepulse.com/?p=227710How and why did the Cincinnati Reds Single A team end up in Bakersfield? It seems strange that a team that has kept its Single A team in the east coast Carolina League to all of a sudden move west. The Cincinnati Reds affiliates that are lower and higher than the Single A level are all on the eastern part of the United States. With a team in California, the Reds will incur major flight costs when players are traveling between teams. The move seemed strange and since I like minor league baseball and since I have worked in Bakersfield, I took a look at this situation.

First, let me give you some simple background information. Major League baseball organizations sign a Player Development Contract (PDC) with a minor league baseball organization in a particular city. These contracts are one of three types; 2 year contract, 4 year contract or a permanent contract which will only be in effect when the major league club owns the minor league club. PDCs give the major league club a minor league location to place their players at a given level. PDCs also guarantee that all minor league organizations have an affiliation with a major league franchise. This seems fair.

During the life of these 2 or 4 year contracts, there are reasons why either side can be happy or unhappy with the other side. The major league club may not be happy with playing conditions in the minor league city or because of some incidents that may have occurred with their players and the cities front office staff members. The minor league club may not be happy with the support received from the major league club or even the players sent to their city. Sometimes, the two parties get together because they have to and neither is happy. This is what happened with the Reds and Bakersfield, so I expect this relationship to be a short one. There is a rule that all cities that started with a team, must end with a team. So, if all other PDCs are signed and there is one organization and one city left, they become married. Welcome to a two year marriage.

Last year, the Texas Rangers had a team in Bakersfield of the California League and the Reds had a team in Lynchburg of the Carolina League. If you remember, in 2010 the Rangers were sold to a group led by new managing partner and CEO Chuck Greenberg. In addition to the Rangers, Greenberg is also the managing partner and president of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League. At the end of the 2010 season, the player contract the Myrtle Beach had with the Braves also expired. So, since the same guy owns both teams, logic dictates that the two teams sign an agreement. They did. After that happened, the owners of the Lynchburg organization quickly called the Braves as they were the only Single A team left on the east coast and a marriage was made.

There were three teams left and three cities. Bakersfield, Rancho Cucamonga and Inland Empire were the cities left along with the organizations of Dodgers, Angels and Reds. The Dodgers and Angels quickly signed with the others former Single A home, leaving one city and one organization. The Cincinnati Reds and the city of Bakersfield were then partners.

Both sides are trying to make the best of the situation. The Reds have publicly said that they were pleased to be in Bakersfield and the Blaze personnel are very happy that they still have a major league club affiliated with them. The future is never decided, but I can almost guarantee that we will be speaking of a new Single A affiliate for the Cincinnati Reds in 2013.

]]>http://insidepulse.com/2010/12/17/an-affiliate-marriage-the-last-two-standing/feed/0Hall of Fame baseball manager Sparky Anderson dieshttp://insidepulse.com/2010/11/02/hall-of-fame-baseball-manager-sparky-anderson-dies/
http://insidepulse.com/2010/11/02/hall-of-fame-baseball-manager-sparky-anderson-dies/#respondTue, 02 Nov 2010 23:54:39 +0000http://insidepulse.com/?p=222696The baseball community recently lost one of its most recognizable living Hall of Famers, Sparky Anderson. Anderson, who led the Cincinnati Reds to two World Championships and the Detroit Tigers to one, died November 4 at age 76.

He managed the Reds from 1970 to 1978 and the Detroit Tigers from 1979 to 1995. He led his teams to 2,194 total victories, against only 1,834 losses. In addition to the three World Championships, he also headed the Reds to two more National League Pennants.

Anderson was one of the most well-known and well-liked managers of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. He also dispensed many recognizable quotes in his time, including, “Every 24 hours the world turns over on someone who was sitting on top of it,” “a baseball manager is a necessary evil,” and “I only had a high school education and believe me, I had to cheat to get that.”

Not everyone knows that before Anderson managed successfully, he played in the big leagues for one season, 1959. A 25-year-old second baseman with the Philadelphia Phillies, Anderson hit only .218 in 152 games, stealing six bases and hitting no home runs. Despite an unimpressive single-year career, Anderson holds multiple playing records—including the most games played by someone whose career lasted only one season.

Sparky Anderson was a good manager—and a good man—who was liked and respected by players and fans alike. In this age of prima donna celebrities who eschew signing autographs and valuing the fans, Anderson was always willing to scribble a signature for those who asked.

And now, he lies in the great eternal slumber. Rest in peace, Mr. Anderson.

The Reds and Baker have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms weren’t announced yet.

Baker led a young Reds team to their first playoff apperance in 15 years. Making Baker just the manager to lead 3 NL teams to the playoffs.

]]>http://insidepulse.com/2010/10/04/mlb-news-cincinnati-reds-agree-to-contract-extension-with-dusty-baker/feed/0MLB News: Former Reds and Cardinals third baseman Don Lang passes away at 95http://insidepulse.com/2010/09/27/mlb-news-former-reds-and-cardinals-third-baseman-don-lang-passes-away-at-95/
http://insidepulse.com/2010/09/27/mlb-news-former-reds-and-cardinals-third-baseman-don-lang-passes-away-at-95/#respondMon, 27 Sep 2010 19:04:47 +0000http://insidepulse.com/?p=21607295-year-old Don Lang, one of the few remaining baseball players from the 1930s, passed away on September 1.

Lang spent two seasons in the major leagues, played a decade apart—he first played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1938, hitting .260 in 21 games. 10 years later, in 1948, he played in 117 games for the St. Louis Cardinals and batted .269.

In between those two big league stints, Lang served in the Pacific theatre of World War II with the United State Army Air Forces. He also played in the minors, posting a .346 average for the Columbus Reds Birds in 1947.

At the time of his death, he was one of the oldest living former big league ballplayers.

]]>http://insidepulse.com/2010/09/27/mlb-news-former-reds-and-cardinals-third-baseman-don-lang-passes-away-at-95/feed/0Jim Edmonds Gets Traded to the Cincinnati Redshttp://insidepulse.com/2010/08/10/jim-edmonds-gets-traded-to-the-cincinnati-reds/
http://insidepulse.com/2010/08/10/jim-edmonds-gets-traded-to-the-cincinnati-reds/#respondTue, 10 Aug 2010 07:33:47 +0000http://insidepulse.com/?p=81827The Morris Daily Herald reports that “The Cincinnati Reds are likely hoping Jim Edmonds does for them something similar to what he did for the Cubs during their 97-win 2008 season that culminated with an NL Central title.”

Trent: In all honesty, given his results this season, I don’t imagine him going anywhere within the division and probably won’t be moved unless the Astros either help pay part of the salary and take a couple of prospects or just dump his salary for a couple of players that don’t really do them any good. If they are looking to get rid of his salary and take 3-4 prospects, they’ll be sitting a mighty long time waiting for that phone to ring.

There was some interest from St. Louis earlier but, if they had wanted him, he would have needed to show that his 6-12 record is more reflective of the complete and utter lack of offense, which for the most part is true, but there have been enough shaky outings that teams might have reservations, especially as his NL Central numbers aren’t exactly flattering (4-4, 4 quality starts).

A bit more concerning is the fact that his numbers against Cincinnati have also not been stellar of late, considering the hoodoo he once held over them. He’s lost 5 of his last 6 against the Reds and, considering that is the team the Cardinals are trying to fend off for the NL Central, they need the assurance that if he gets the call against their neck and neck opponents that he’s not going to falter again, such as in his last outing (5 IP, 6 ER, 3 K).

Eugene: You’ll love this then…Jim Hayes of FSN Midwest reported this morning on STL radio that the Reds are looking into acquiring Oswalt. They have the payroll flexibility and the prospects. I would imagine a deal would start with Yonder Alonso and include at least 2 pitching prospects and another fielder.

The Dodgers and Phillies are considered in the lead right now, with the Cardinals and Rangers watching what’s going on. That’s also with Oswalt saying he won’t play for Philadelphia, either New York team, and Boston.

The Astros are crazy to think that a team will take the full salary and give up the players they are requesting. I just don’t think a deal will be done by the deadline. The Astros are in a position that they could deal him in August, since most teams won’t block a waiver claim with the amount of money involved.

Trent:I don’t buy that for a second. Given that Harang, Bailey, Maloney and LeCure are sitting in Triple A right now along with Isringhaussen and Springer is a good sign that they have what they want and don’t need another pitcher. They’d be crazy to add a huge salary like that and give up arms they could use to acquire something much, much better than Oswalt. For once, depth is not an issue at any point for the Reds at any position.

Personally, it sounds like the Midwest guys want there to be a panic in St. Louis about Oswalt and the Reds because, hey, they are the Reds after all. What are they doing in contention still, right?

Eugene: I think this is more from Houston than St. Louis. I think Houston is starting rumors to get a return larger.

Daniels: I’m holding out hope that Omar Minaya is playing his patented “wait until the last second, see if the Astros panic, and offer a good but not killer package”. If Oswalt won’t play on the East Coast then F-him, he’s a pansy.

Alex: I do think Roy Oswalt will be traded. With the Astros as abysmal as they are, he is not helping them at this time and they are only hurting his numbers. In addition, he has made it public that he wants to be traded – to not be traded would be detrimental to his career and his overall performance. Thinking from the Astros’ brass’ point of view, I think it’d be wise to dump him for some good prospects with which the team can be rebuilt later on.

Eugene: And it appears Oswalt will be a Phillie, if he approves it. The deal is in place and they are waiting on his approval.

Hayes, calling into the radio show he co-hosts in St. Louis on 590 the Fan, reports that the Reds have called the Astros on the pitcher. They would appear to have the payroll fleixibility to add him and the prospects required for the deal.

Any deal would have to start with Yonder Alonso, the Reds top fielding prospect. Alonso is blocked by All Star Joey Votto, although he’s not quite ready yet for the majors.

I would also think that the Astros would want 2 pitching prospects and another fielder. I ranked Travis Wood and Matt Maloney the #2 and 3 best pitchers in their organization and both could be available. Top pitcher Aroldis Chapman won’t be moved. 2 possible attractive fielders could be Todd Fraizer and Chris Heisley. Fraizer can hit and play multiple positions; I think he’ll stick at second in the majors. Heisley has been up with the Red this year and could be a nice addition for the Astros, although they have a full outfield as is.

]]>http://insidepulse.com/2010/07/28/new-suitor-for-roy-oswalt/feed/02 Stories of Near Perfection…Armando Galarraga and Ken Griffey Jr.http://insidepulse.com/2010/06/03/2-stories-of-near-perfection-armando-galarraga-and-ken-griffey-jr/
http://insidepulse.com/2010/06/03/2-stories-of-near-perfection-armando-galarraga-and-ken-griffey-jr/#respondThu, 03 Jun 2010 14:20:54 +0000http://sports.insidepulse.com/?p=79835Yesterday was a huge day for Major League Baseball, as we saw an almost perfect game and an almost perfect player retire.

Travesty in Detroit
I didn’t get to watch the game between the Tigers and Indians, but the Cardinals radio broadcasters were pretty much calling that game too. I pulled up to a used-CD store and couldn’t get out, since Armando Galarraga was at 8 2/3 innings of perfect baseball. Jason Donald was at the plate and gets an infield single. I thought that was a horrible way to end the bid for a perfect game. Really, an infield single?

So, I went about my business. While I’m about to check out with a couple of new comics (yes, the used CD store sells comics), my brother calls me:

Brother: You haven’t seen baseball highlights yet, have you?

Me: No, but I was listening to the Cardinal game and they were pretty much calling the perfect game.

Brother: The hitter was out by a mile. The ump blew the call.

Me: What?

Brother: Yeah, the ump made the wrong call.

I ended up seeing the highlights (by making my wife stop watching whatever cooking show she had found) and I couldn’t believe the call. How do you miss that call? How do you not side with the pitcher when he’s within inches of history? Especially when it’s the home team pitcher?

Now, I’m not saying that home field advantage, history, or anything else should influence a call; but in this circumstance, the tie should go to the fielder.

This will also bring up the topic of re-play; while I think re-play should stay out of baseball, I think they could have reviewed this circumstance. In instances where history is involved, why not allow it?

Just a few points about perfect games – this is the first season in baseball history that there have been more than 1 perfect game. This game would have been the first perfect game at Comerica Park.

Now, with the fact that we have 2 perfect game and one more that should have been, what’s up with hitting? Have the hitters lack of steroids and greenies caught up with them? That’s one possibility. There is also the fact that teams are being more cautious with pitching that we are starting to see the benefit of pitch counts, limited innings, and siding on the side of caution. One of the perfect games this year was pitched by a younger player (Braden is 26; Halladay is 33). Ubaldo Jimenez, who is probably the best pitcher in the game right now, is 10-1 with a 0.78 ERA with a no-hitter; he’s only 26 also. If you look at the top 3 of league leaders, they are loaded with young pitchers:
ERA Leaders – David Price, Doug Fister, Jimenez, Jaime Garcia
Win Leaders – David Price, Clay Buchholz, Phil Hughes, Jimenez, Mike Pelfrey
K Leaders – Ricky Romero, Jon Lester, Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Tim Lincecum, Yovani Gallardo

Back to Galarraga, the MLB needs to do something. I would love for them to rule that his perfect game stands. I would love for Jason Donald to call for that, along with the umpire crew. In reality, that won’t happen. Galarraga will get screwed on this one. He’ll be remembered for being close to perfect.

Junior Hangs it Up
Ken Griffey Jr. was supposed to be the perfect player. He was incredible defensively. He could hit like no one else. He was expected to be the one who broke home run records. Instead, he broke his body.

Griffey was an icon in the game. From the minute he hit the field for the Mariners, every kid wanted to be him.

Once he left Seattle, he was a different player; he was an injured player. I think there was no other player in baseball that was the poster child for the saying “Just imagine if he were healthy.”

Now that health question will be tied to the question of the era – did he do steroids? It’s really ard to say. He wasn’t super big, but the way his body failed on him this decade makes you question why. I’m of the opinion that he didn’t do them and that he was just unlucky once he left Seattle (some might say it was Karma).

Griffey hangs it up after 22 years. He finishes 5th in home runs (it’ll be 6th in another couple of season, as A-Rod is only 40 behind him). He was 219 hits away from 3000, which probably wasn’t achievable at this point.